St. Dunstan Confirmation Retreat

Today, the Youth Council and I led a Confirmation Retreat at St. Dunstan. There were 6 parishes present, totaling 100 students. We used the same structure as the past confirmation retreats. In the beginning, I encouraged my fellow youth council members to mingle with the students to make them feel welcome because this is what we do in St. Augustine Retreats. I tried to talk to as many students I could but it was hard because their were so many. We split up into small groups where I got to know my students more personally. My role in this retreat was to explain the song and theme. I connected the theme, "Journey with Faith", with confirmation. I explained the song and theme twice throughout the retreat. I explained lyrics that stuck out to me and asked the students for any that stuck out to them. They seemed to like the song towards the end  because they were singing along. I led my group on the "Examen", which is a hike for reflection. We stopped in placed and I appointed each group member to be in control of every point, such as review of the day, giving thanks, noticing our shortcoming, and prayer for the future. I was very peaceful and my group seemed to enjoy it. To end of the retreat, we prayed as a big group. It was great to be in charge of a small group to refine my skills of leadership.

Hours Logged: 8 Hours

7th Grade Retreat at St. Anne's of the Sunset

On Thursday, I led a 7th grade Retreat at St. Anne's of the Sunset with the Youth Council. The theme of the retreat was "Loving Unconditionally" and the theme song was "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry. We taught the students the different types of love and how they all relate to God. There's love between yourself, friends, family, a partner, and God. God's love, "agape", is his unconditional love. I led the ice breakers, "I Love My Neighbor" and "Musical Jukebox". Leading activities for a big group of about 50 students, helps me with my leadership skills. We did teaching on each kind of love, then were broken up into small groups of about 8 students to discuss them. With theses retreats, I've learned how to adapt to many different agendas and students quickly. Every retreat is different. I'm glad I have the opportunity to help grow their faith.





Hours logged: 8 hours